Gillian Abbott assumes the role of Frances “Baby” Houseman tonight in the North American tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, which continues at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland through March 22.

“The company that we have assembled for our North American tour is beautiful and truthful,” stated Eleanor Bergstein, screenwriter of the film "Dirty Dancing" and book writer for the musical. “I originally wrote the movie because I love to dance. And since the movie first appeared, the openhearted audience response has made me believe that everyone has a secret dancer inside them, one they feel could connect them to the physical world in the way they dream. This remarkable cast brings those dreams to life through their extraordinary talent and exceptional skill. It’s been a deep pleasure for us to watch audiences around the country respond as this lovely group of people brings Dirty Dancing home to North America.”

"It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is on vacation in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents," according to press notes. "Mesmerized by the racy dance moves and pounding rhythms she discovers in the resort’s staff quarters, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort’s sexy dance instructor. Passions ignite and Baby’s life changes forever when she is thrown in to the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady, both on-stage and off."

The North American tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is produced by Amber Jacobsen, NETworks Presentations LLC, Grove Entertainment, and Col Joye in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions. For more information visit http://us.dirtydancingontour.com.